Zen of Tofu

I got my copy! Yes, I’m quite excited to finally have my copy of Forza 2 that I’ve been waiting for ever since it was announced — and even after it was pushed back. What was even more surprising, was that I got it on release day, which is a rare thing since the US seems to get preference on new releases.

So as soon as I got home, I started up the system and went with the tried, tested, and true starting region — Asia. The selection of starting cars was a little grim but the cars definitely have potential. Normally, I like to start my racing career mode with a front-engine rear-wheel drive drivetrain (FR) but I thought I’d like to take a chance with the steep learning curve of driving a mid-engine rear-wheel drive (MR) car, so I decided on the not-so-popular Toyota MR-S. This is definitely not a car for drag-racing — yet — but I figured that the great handling should more than make up for the lack of power. I was not disappointed. I turned all the driving assists off such as ABS, TCS, and STM, turned up the difficulty to Medium, played with Manual Transmission settings, and turned on all the Simulation settings. So in other words, I created a really twitchy, sensitive, and difficult driving situation for myself. I thought that with the new physics engine, making the game this difficult from the get-go would be more punishment than enjoyment, but I seemed to adjust fine. I started winning races, earning credits and upgrading my little convertible.

After a few more races and levels, I was rewarded with a 1985 Corolla (think Initial D) that I call my “Winterbeater that could”. It wasn’t a bad performing car despite its age, but I was still drawn back to the MR-S even after winning a Mitsubishi Evolution and the Border MR2. I think I might switch to the Border MR2 soon because it’s rarity will earn me a lot more credits but I seriously have to give it a paint job.

As my racing career moves on, I aspire to upgrading an MR2 to the S-class and be able to race it against the likes of Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche. Another car I look forward to upgrading is the Subaru WRX STi, and I think that should get me to the pre-R2-class vehicles.

This game was definitely worth the wait!

written by tofu

About a week ago I managed to finish reading the autobiography of Gordon Ramsay, Humble Pie. What an incredibly tough childhood this man had. What was great was the style of writing Gordon used, since it sounded just like the way he talks, including the foul language and his critiqued honesty. The book really captured the way he thinks and reacts to the people around him. It demonstrated his love and passion for football, food, and his family. Due to his bad experiences with his father as a child, he seems to have been somewhat scarred in the sense that he is always seeking approval and perfection even against all odds. He’s not afraid to be a little selfish to reach his own goals, but he holds a lot of respect to those who earn it.

The sequence of the book was very appropriate and well structured, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Gordon’s escapades and felt sympathy for his hardships. It is quite apparent that he has picked up many enemies in his journey to becoming a chef, but he has also made many dependable allies who have worked with him and under him to develop their own skills and talents. I never knew he owned so many high-quality restaurants! Each one is so popular that bookings are almost always made three to four months in advance with a hefty price per head. What I admire is that Gordon is willing to train those who work hard and even give them their “big break” so they can shine on their own.

His life is quite inspiring and motivating because of how driven Ramsay has become. I highly recommend his autobiography whether you have an interest in food or not.

written by tofu

Recently I noticed a commercial for the new season of Hell’s Kitchen with Gordon Ramsay’s wrath at the helm. I’m quite excited to see the new contestants get battered, insulted, and broken while they try to use the last bits of determination and inspiration to pass Ramsay’s expectations.

Today when I watched the beginning of the F1 race in Monaco, they showed Gordon with his wife who came to watch the race. He seemed so much nicer than the way the media depicts him. Not one swear word came out of his mouth! Now how’s that for the critics?

So I’ll be looking forward to Monday nights starting June 4th! I hope the contestants are at least half-decent for their own sakes!

written by tofu

McLaren repeated their qualifying stint and Alonso won the race at Monaco, Monte Carlo for the second year in a row. It seems experience was enough to get the edge on Lewis Hamilton, who also raced well and finished in second place for the fourth race in a row.  Hamilton has definitely shown the consistency required to be an F1 champion, but he is lacking the ability to finish a race strong so far.

It was good to see Alonso respond from his sub-par performance in the past few races, and to come out in Spain and show that the coveted Monaco trophy belongs to none other. One interesting fact is that the leader going into turn 1 on the first lap of the race, went on to win the race for every single race so far this season.. The next race is set for here in Canada, but out East in Montreal. It seems odd that they wouldn’t hold the race in Toronto or at least in Vancouver. Unfortunate indeed, but also because $500 a ticket for a decent seat is much to steep for my pocket!

written by tofu

This morning I woke up at a most fortunate hour. I was just in time to catch the latter half of the qualifying session for the Formula One race in Monaco this weekend, and I was pleasantly rewarded.

Rewarded how? Well Massa didn’t manage to catch pole position and McLaren went one-two with Alonso catching the pole for the second year in a row. I guess this track is Fernando Alonso’s track and I should expect him to win the race if he has a good start and if Lewis Hamilton doesn’t manage to figure the track out. Hamilton held pole until the last lap where Alonso caught up in the second sector. (A nod of the head to Massa for being the swiftest in the third sector)

Tomorrow they’re showing the Monaco race twice. Once, live and another time later in the day. I doubt I’ll wake up in time to catch the start of the live session, but I’ll definitely watch the latter half live.

written by tofu